An 80-year-old Winter Haven store clerk is in serious condition after a robbery Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the suspect entered Elonka's Fashions shortly after 4 p.m. and walked to the counter where the victim was standing.
A short conversation ensued. Police said the suspect inquired about the restroom, but then attacked the clerk hitting her in the head eventually pushing her to a back room area out of camera view.
Police said the suspect continued to beat the victim and demanded to know where her vehicle keys were located.
After obtaining the keys, police said the suspect tied the victim up and placed a gag inside of her mouth. Police said the suspect then grabbed money from the cash register and fled in the victim’s 2009 white Chevrolet Impala, FL tag # E57 8ZM.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., the victim was able to free herself and called for help. Polk County Emergency Medical Services and Winter Haven police officers arrived on scene where the victim was in and out of consciousness. She was transported as a trauma alert to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
Police now believe the suspect is the same man who came to the store last Friday and is possibly the same man seen in a burglary at a local business on Sept. 5.
Detectives pulled surveillance video from Sept. 12 at Elonka's and the same suspect is seen coming into the store. He approached the clerk (the victim) and inquired about the models in the store.
He continued to make small talk and ultimately left the store. Police said he returned Sept. 16 when he attacked the victim.
The woman's family is asking for the public's help tracking down suspect.
“She gave the low-life the keys, the money and every thing he wanted so there was no reason to beat her up so badly,” the victim’s son said.
The victim’s son said his mother is strong-willed so he wasn’t surprised that she was able to eventually untie herself and call for help. Or the fact that she was able to give police the details they’re going to need to catch this criminal.
“She’s a very strong woman to go through that and she has been extremely crucial to the police department who has helped us with our leads,” Winter Haven Police Chief, Charles Bird said. “And she has given us a lot of good information.
The 80-year-old mother of two is in serious but stable condition.
Detectives believe this is the same suspect seen at a business burglary in the 600 block of 6th St., SW on Sept. 5.
In that case, the suspect enters the lobby area where the receptionist had stepped away from the desk for a moment. The suspect is seen going behind the counter and reaching underneath the desk taking a wallet. The clerk came back moments later after the suspect left the building.
Police said the suspect is described as a black male, possibly 30 - 40 years of age, 6' tall with a medium build and clean shaven. In all three occasions, he is wearing a dark baseball hat and carrying a black backpack.
Police are asking anyone with information on the case or if anyone sees the victim's white Chevrolet Impala (FL# E57 8ZM) to call 911. Callers can also contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.